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SUMMARY

The research interests of Lawrence W. Steinkraus, M.D., M.P.H., include applied clinical topics, including aeromedical evacuation, cognitive function in aerospace settings, the aging aviator, chronic illnesses in flyers such as diabetes and osteoporosis, and effects of altitude on patients and flyers. Dr. Steinkraus also has been active in educational research, including the use of simulation.

Focus areas

Relationship between aggressive use of available mitigation measures (cabin altitude limits, blood products, oxygen supplementation, and the like) and clinical outcomes in transporting ill and injured patients by air

Appropriate use of physiological and cognitive monitoring systems to improve safety in aerospace environments

Use of standardized patients in training aerospace medicine residents and fellows to perform fitness-for-duty examinations

Use of simulation to assess communication and professionalism

Significance to patient care

Optimizing physicians' knowledge of how to reduce inherent risks with aeromedical evacuation can and has improved patient outcomes. With increased use of rapid air transport of ill and injured patients, careful, evidence-based recommendations on how to "package" this vulnerable population should result in fewer deaths and injuries.

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